So, you have your first massage appointment coming up and you don’t know how to prepare, or you have your next appointment scheduled and you feel like you didn’t prepare well enough the first time so you want to make this one better… what do you do to make sure you get every benefit out of your massage? Let us walk you through some “Dos and Don'ts” when preparing for your massage.
Do’s:
Stay hydrated! Being sure you are hydrated before (and after) your massage is very important for helping the body eliminate toxins that will be released into your circulation during the massage. Be sure to choose water or an herbal tea though - regular tea, coffee, alcohol, or sugary drinks are a no-no!
Take a hot shower or bath to warm up your muscles and relax your body to its fullest extent prior to your massage. I promise you’ll feel like a million bucks right away!
Communicate and don’t be shy! Tell your massage therapist everything you need them to know. Preferences, needs, expectations… give them the goods! If you’re unsure, no worries! Let them know it’s your first time and they will help guide you. Once they start massaging, don’t be afraid to speak up! Tell them how much pressure you want, if you need them to pay more attention to a specific area, what you don’t enjoy… the more you communicate the better
Put on comfortable, loose clothing or bring some with you! You will be asked to undress to your comfort level, so wearing loose fitting clothes will make this process easier.
Arrive 5-10 minutes early, that way you don’t feel rushed, you can have extra time to relax and speak to your massage therapist, and your massage therapist can maximize his/her time efficiency
Don'ts:
Don’t workout right before your session. This can lead to spasms, which could hurt! Be sure to leave at least an hour between the end of your workout and beginning of your massage
Don’t eat a huge meal! Instead, stick to something very light, just to keep the grumbles at bay. You’ll feel better afterwards… trust us!
Don’t worry. We are professionals and we take your best interests at heart!
Just like your massage therapist has to prepare their space for you, you too have to prepare your space (body) for them! We want your massage experience to be one-of-a-kind, so be sure to follow these tips next time! And of course, if you have any particular questions regarding your massage therapists routine, expectations, or policies just give them a call! That way, you know everything before you arrive and can start your massage worry-free.